Movie review: ‘The BFG,’ dark, fantastical Dahl adaptation has big heart and big scares
"The BFG." (Walt Disney Studios)
"The BFG." (Walt Disney Studios)
Parents need to know that The BFG is about a Big Friendly Giant (BFG) an dSOphie, the young orphan he first snatches and later befriends. (Common Sense Media/TNS)
Parents need to know that “The BFG” — which was directed by Steven Spielberg and based on Roald Dahl’s beloved fantasy book — is about a Big Friendly Giant (BFG) and Sophie, the young orphan he first snatches and later befriends. The movie has a dark tone, and tense moments of peril and danger punctuate the story from the beginning. After Sophie is kidnapped, she expects the BFG to cook her for dinner, and later she’s hunted by the other giants, who love to eat children. Death is also referenced in not-so-subtle ways: Sophie bluntly states that her parents are dead, and the BFG alludes to another human child he used to be friends with who was clearly eaten by the other giants. While the scares are enough to keep the littlest audience members away (or at least with their eyes firmly covered), this tale about discovering friendship and family in the unlikeliest places also offers sweetness, humor, and heart — as well as themes of courage, empathy, and perseverance. (Oh, and some fart jokes.)
WHAT’S THE STORY?
Sophie (Ruby Barnhill), a young orphan with insomnia, spends her evenings either walking the halls of the orphanage or reading books well into the wee hours of the night. On one of these restless nights, she finds herself face-to-face with “the boogie monster,” who kidnaps her and takes her to live on Giant Island, much to her fear and anger. Gradually Sophie and the “monster” get to know each other, and Sophie learns that he’s actually a Big Friendly Giant (Mark Rylance), who walks the streets at night placing good dreams into children’s rooms. As their friendship unfolds, the BFG shows caring and kindness toward Sophie — and they work together to try to rid Giant Island of the rest of its scary, bullying residents, all of whom are eager to eat the “bean” (aka “child”) that the BFG brought home with him. Sophie and the BFG power through dangerous encounters, terrifying close calls, and sheer hilarity as they discover a deep and truly unique friendship.
IS IT ANY GOOD?
The magic, fantasy, and eventual pure sweetness between “The BFG’s” two central characters is nothing short of heartwarming. The movie has many opportunities to highlight what being a good friend is all about — and what it means to have strong values. Sophie, a wise-beyond-her-years orphan, is played incredibly well by Barnhill. She’s fully developed as a character, but her maturity is lovingly balanced with her regular, child-like ways. The visuals live up to Spielberg’s reputation; as always, he has a knack for bringing fantastical elements and creatures into everyday life. As for the BFG himself, Rylance will win audiences over from his first (of many) teary-eyed smile. His giant warmth and compassion, his bumbling language and missteps, and his grit and determination will leave every kid — and parent — wanting a BFG of their own.
RATING AND CONTENT
Recommended for ages 7 and older
Quality: 4 out of 5
Educational value: 3 out of 5
Positive messages: 4 out of 5
Positive role models: 4 out of 5
Violence and scariness: 3 out of 5
Sexy stuff: 0 out of 5
Language: 1 out of 5
Drinking, drugs, and smoking: 1 out of 5
Consumerism: 2 out of 5 (Are products/advertisements embedded? Is the title part of a broader marketing initiative/empire? Is the intent to sell things to kids?)
MOVIE DETAILS
Theatrical release date: July 1, 2016
Director: Steven Spielberg
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 115 minutes
MPAA rating: PG
